Tottenham expert ‘100 per cent’ sure on Ivan Perisic after Antonio Conte claim pre-Southampton
Ivan Perisic will make his full debut for Tottenham against Southampton on Saturday.
That is the view of former White Hart Lane number one Paul Robinson, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Antonio Conte’s team selection this weekend.
Perisic, 33, made his first start for Tottenham in a 1-0 loss to AS Roma on Saturday.
The Croatia international played 75 minutes of the pre-season friendly before being replaced by Ryan Sessegnon.
Sessegnon has started all of Spurs’ previous pre-season fixtures this summer.
As quoted by Football.London (30 July), Conte claimed Perisic has to “continue to work to reach peak fitness.”
When asked by Football Insider who he expected to start against the Saints on Saturday, Robinson said: “Listen, if Perisic is fit he plays, 100 per cent.
“You do not sign a player of his quality and experience to sit on the bench.
“He probably won’t play in the lesser games, like the League Cup, where Conte feels he can rotate the side. But he will play the majority of the Premier League and Champions League games I’m sure. When he is fit he plays.
“Sessegnon will come in and out of the side this year. He is still developing.
“When the manager picks his strongest XI he will pick Perisic. Therefore, I expect him to start this weekend.”
Perisic joined Spurs on a free transfer last month following the expiration of his contract with Inter Milan.
He put pen to paper on a two-year deal in north London.
In other news, a Tottenham expert has backed the club to double their money on Joe Rodon as ‘surprise’ deal is done.